A Liverpool schoolboy has scored 123 goals in just 18 league games for a Merseyside junior football team - the best record at that level since Michael Owen, writes Jack Birch.

Ben Trueman, seven, has been in sensational goalscoring form this season for Haydock FC Under 7s.

He has been at Liverpool FC’s academy since he was five and this season has also been to Everton, Manchester United and Manchester City academies as well.

Ben is hoping to be offered a pre-contract deal when he turns nine and it is his dream to be a professional footballer.

If he signs a pre-contract with one of the Premier League clubs’ academies, Ben would attend a private school from the age of 12 to ensure his education has the same attention as his football.

Paul Trueman, Ben’s dad, said: “The fact that he is getting that education is extremely important.

“We try to keep him level headed and help him understand that it could all come to an end at any point when you consider the amount that don’t make it.

“So that education is more important than him playing football in a way.”

Despite his obvious prowess in front of goal, it is Ben’s attitude that is said to be his greatest attribute. Luke Burke, manager of Haydock FC Under 7s, said: “With Ben scoring almost 130 goals, you’d expect him to be greedy.

“But his overall play and his range of passing is absolutely incredible and just his attitude overall is amazing to see.”

Mr Trueman added: “He just wants to play every day and he gives 100% in every game.

“He loves football, he’s always walking round the house, kicking a ball around with a big smile on his face.”

Ben, who scored 19 goals in a 28-0 win over Winstanley Warriors last season, is also the captain of his team.

Mr Burke said: “He’s captain, but he’s captain for a reason, it’s not just because he scores a lot of goals.

“If a player from either team is down injured, Ben will be the first one over to make sure he is alright and pick him up.

“The sportsmanship he shows at his age is incredible.”

Haydock FC Under 7s are currently top of the Warrington Junior Football League first division for their age range on goal difference after winning four out of four games since the start of January.

The team was moved into the top division after a league restructure before the turn of the year.

Mr Burke said: “We played 12 games between September and December but there was no real structure across the five divisions.

“What the league did for January is to take all the highest scoring teams and move them into the first division.”

Despite being placed in a more competitive division, the team has still managed to win three of their four games 15-0, 13-1 and 8-0.